Popular Akure socialite and controversial political figure, Adeleye Fayehun, better known as Ade Basket, has died, barely weeks after burying his wife, Atinuke Fayehun.
Ade Basket reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following an undisclosed illness.
The Ondo State-owned newspaper, The Hope, which broke the news, reported that the socialite had been hospitalised for several weeks before his death.
His death came as another devastating blow to his family, coming only weeks after his wife, Atinuke, was buried in late October 2026.
Ade Basket, also known as Oba Ade Basket, was a popular figure in Akure’s social circles and reportedly held a traditional title. His death has reportedly thrown his family, friends and associates into mourning.
Akure Youth Media also released a condolence message mourning his death, extending its sympathies to his family, friends and the Iro and Ifetedo communities.
However, Ade Basket’s notoriety was not limited to his social activities, as he was repeatedly linked to political violence and gang activities in Akure, Ondo State.
He first gained prominence in the early 2000s and was frequently mentioned in reports concerning political thuggery and violence involving political interests.
One of the most controversial incidents associated with him occurred in July 2016, when he was arrested by the police over the alleged brutal assault of a 44-year-old pregnant woman, Adenike Adeolu.
The woman was reportedly beaten into a coma during a disagreement involving timber business activities.
According to reports at the time, the victim’s husband, Olusanya Adeolu, alleged that Ade Basket and some men believed to be his associates attacked his wife during a timber union meeting along Ondo Road in Akure.
The victim reportedly became unconscious after Ade Basket allegedly slapped her, while two other men joined in assaulting her.
The then Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, confirmed the arrest, disclosing that the suspect had been detained for interrogation and that investigations had commenced.
Ade Basket was also identified in reports as a timber businessman, with the dispute reportedly connected to allegations surrounding the collection of N800,000 from forest agents.
Details of his subsequent legal proceedings, as well as the circumstances surrounding his latest illness, were not immediately available.
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